Key Dates
Launch Event at Cwmbran Boating Lake
Learn about Himalayan balsam, help protect our river, waterways and green spaces, and get involved in balsam pulling this summer
Join us at Cwmbran Boating Lake for the launch of the Big Balsam Bash – a community effort to tackle the invasive plant Himalayan balsam and protect our local rivers and wildlife.
This is a free, family‑friendly drop‑in event running throughout the day. You don’t need any experience, tools, or to stay for the whole time – just pop along and get involved in a way that suits you.
🌱 What’s happening on the day?
You can:
- Learn how to identify Himalayan balsam
- Find out why it’s a problem for rivers and wildlife
- Have a go at pulling balsam plants with guidance from the team
- Chat to us about future volunteer pulling sessions
- Sign up to “adopt a patch” and help look after a stretch near you
We’ll be on hand to answer questions, show safe pulling techniques, and explain how small actions can make a big difference when we work together.
Who is this event for?
- Local residents & families
- Anyone curious about nature or invasive plants
- People who might like to volunteer but aren’t sure where to start
You don’t need to book for a specific time – just drop in between 10am and 2pm and look out for the gazebo in the South Carpark: https://what3words.com/match.chose.giving
What to bring
- Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear
- Gloves if you have them (we’ll have some available)
- Water / snacks if you plan to stay a while
This is a Local Places for Nature event funded by Welsh Government
Himalayan balsam pulling session – Northfields, Cwmbran
Join us at Northfields, Cwmrban for a hands-on volunteering session to help tackle Himalayan balsam, an invasive plant that spreads rapidly along our rivers and waterways and crowds out native wildlife.
We’ll be working together to remove balsam helping to restore space for native plants and protect local habitats.
We'll be meeting at https://what3words.com/feared.stops.scared at 10am.
No experience is needed – full guidance will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
What to bring
- Sturdy footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and a snack
- Suncream and a hat if it's going to hot
Himalayan balsam pulling session – Tirpentwys LNR, Pontypool
Join us at Tirpentwys Local Nature Reserve, for a hands-on volunteering session to help tackle Himalayan balsam, an invasive plant that spreads rapidly along our rivers and waterways and crowds out native wildlife.
We’ll be working together to remove balsam helping to restore space for native plants and protect local habitats.
We'll be meeting at the Tirpentwys Local Nature Reserve carpark, https://what3words.com/commented.script.vest at 10am.
No experience is needed – full guidance will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
What to bring
- Sturdy footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and a snack
- Suncream and a hat if it's going to hot
Himalayan balsam pulling session – Boating Lake, Cwmbran
Join us in Cwmbran, for a hands-on volunteering session to help tackle Himalayan balsam, an invasive plant that spreads rapidly along our rivers and waterways and crowds out native wildlife.
We’ll be working together to remove balsam helping to restore space for native plants and protect local habitats.
We'll be meeting at https://what3words.com/spill.shakes.cloak at 10am.
No experience is needed – full guidance will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
What to bring
- Sturdy footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and a snack
- Suncream and a hat if it's going to hot
Himalayan balsam pulling session – Henllys LNR, Cwmbran
Join us at Hennlys Local Nature Reserve, for a hands-on volunteering session to help tackle Himalayan balsam, an invasive plant that spreads rapidly along our rivers and waterways and crowds out native wildlife.
We’ll be working together to remove balsam helping to restore space for native plants and protect local habitats.
We'll be meeting at the Hennlys Local Nature Reserve carpark, https://what3words.com/larger.farm.master at 10am.
No experience is needed – full guidance will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
What to bring
- Sturdy footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and a snack
- Suncream and a hat if it's going to hot
Himalayan balsam pulling session – Zig Zag Path, Bleanavon
Join us in Bleanavon, for a hands-on volunteering session to help tackle Himalayan balsam, an invasive plant that spreads rapidly along our rivers and waterways and crowds out native wildlife.
We’ll be working together to remove balsam helping to restore space for native plants and protect local habitats.
We'll be meeting at https://what3words.com/feasts.enough.relegate at 10am.
No experience is needed – full guidance will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
What to bring
- Sturdy footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and a snack
- Suncream and a hat if it's going to hot
Himalayan balsam pulling session – Chapel Lane, Cwmbran
Join us in Cwmbran, for a hands-on volunteering session to help tackle Himalayan balsam, an invasive plant that spreads rapidly along our rivers and waterways and crowds out native wildlife.
We’ll be working together to remove balsam helping to restore space for native plants and protect local habitats.
We'll be meeting at https://what3words.com/feasts.enough.relegate at 10am.
No experience is needed – full guidance will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
What to bring
- Sturdy footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and a snack
- Suncream and a hat if it's going to hot
Himalayan balsam pulling session – Sandybrook Park, Cwmbran
Join us in Cwmbran, for a hands-on volunteering session to help tackle Himalayan balsam, an invasive plant that spreads rapidly along our rivers and waterways and crowds out native wildlife.
We’ll be working together to remove balsam helping to restore space for native plants and protect local habitats.
We'll be meeting at https://what3words.com/finds.homes.season at 10am.
No experience is needed – full guidance will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
What to bring
- Sturdy footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and a snack
- Suncream and a hat if it's going to hot